Talking can tell us how the brain works. A new study from Baycrest, the University of Toronto and York University found that tiny details in everyday speech are linked to thinking skills.
The researchers looked at things like pauses, filler words such as “uh” or “um”, and how hard it was for people to find the right words. These clues matched how well a person performed on tests that measure memory, planning and attention.
Earlier work showed that older people who speak faster tend to keep their thinking sharp. This new research gives strong proof that natural speech reflects important brain functions.
Computer Tools Find Hidden Signs
In the study, participants described detailed pictures in their own words and also took standard thinking tests. Then, special computer programs examined the recordings. They counted how long pauses lasted, how often filler words appeared, and other timing patterns.
The computer‑found markers could predict test scores even after the scientists considered age, gender and education.
What This Means for Dementia
Thinking skills usually get weaker with age, and they often drop early in dementia. Traditional tests are hard to give often because they take time and people can learn the test tricks.
Listening to everyday speech could be an easier way to watch the brain. Talking happens all the time, so we can measure it many times without bothering people.
The researchers think speech checks could one day help doctors spot people whose thinking is dropping faster than normal, and who might be at higher risk for dementia.
“Finding changes early is important because it gives the best chance to slow down brain loss,” said Dr. Meltzer.
Next Steps
More long‑term studies are needed to see how speech changes over years and to tell normal aging apart from disease. Combining speech checks with other health data could make early detection more reliable and easy to use.
The work was funded by the Mitacs Accelerate program and Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.